Students perform in an instrumental ensemble
  1. Academics
  2. Majors, Minors, and Programs
  3. Music

Music

Students can study composition, music theory, conducting, music history, world music, ethnomusicology, jazz, rock, and musical theater in addition to any jazz, orchestral, or bluegrass instrument, or voice. Centre’s music program welcomes all students wishing to take private lessons, courses, or to participate in one or more of our instrumental and choral ensembles.

Overview

Whether you want to play in a first-rate college orchestra or sing in a choir, perform in an opera or musical, play in our Kentucky music ensemble, work with world-class artists who come to the Norton Center for the Arts, or study music from some of our internationally acclaimed faculty, Centre’s music program is brimming with possibilities.

Our music program seeks to provide a meaningful, high quality experience in music for every student. Students will be enabled to listen perceptively and communicate clearly about music and broaden their appreciation of musical styles. They will develop and understanding of the interrelationship of the history, theory, and practice of music. They will become more accomplished, creative, and expressive musicians through participation in applied study and performance organizations. Students with professional aspirations in music will be prepared for employment and graduate studies in the discipline.

Your Major Took You Where?

Music majors have gone on to a variety of graduate programs and careers.

Employers

  • Kentucky Center for the Arts
  • Louisville Orchestra
  • Prague Summer Nights: Young Artist Music Festival
  • Savannah VOICE Festival
  • The VOICExperience Foundation

Postgraduate Study

  • Boston University (M.A., musicology)
  • University of Kentucky (M.A., music therapy)
  • Ohio University (M.M., trumpet performance)
  • Colorado State University (M.M., voice performance)
  • Florida State University (M.M., voice performance)

Curriculum

Centre’s music program reflects the fast-changing intercultural landscape of the music industry, music education and related fields. As such, a wide variety of courses are offered to enhance student preparation, including world music, hip hop, songwriting, the Grateful Dead, jazz, music theory, the Beatles, bluegrass, opera, conducting, music production, romanticism, protest music, improvisation, the Great American Songbook, and more.

Major Requirements

Minor Requirements

Experiential Learning

Students engage in hands-on learning experiences and reflection to develop skills and increase knowledge retention.

The music program works closely with the Norton Center for the Arts to provide experiential opportunities for the artists on their line-up. As a result, Centre students can attend master classes and workshops with the stars including flutist James Galway, string musicians Harlem Quartet, the McGill/McHale Trio, Russian Renaissance, trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, and Yo-Yo Ma.

Internships

We're committed to helping students find quality internship experiences in the career area of their choice.

Musically gifted students of all majors are encouraged to perform in any of Centre's instrumental and choral ensembles which include the African Drum Ensemble, Centre Chamber Music, Centre Fusion Ensemble, Centre Symphony Orchestra, Kentucky Music Ensemble, Centre Choral Singers, and Centre Singers. 

Careers

Our extraordinary liberal arts and sciences education prepares students for meaningful lives and careers.

Music majors often pursue musical careers in areas such as music director, musician, vocalist, music instructor, artist manager, artistic director, composer, and band director.

Music Faculty

All Faculty & Staff
Tripp Bratton performing

Tripp Bratton

  • Instructor of African Drums, Director of the Rhythm Fusion Ensemble, Director of the African Drum Ensemble
Rob Seebacher

Robert Seebacher

  • Associate Professor of Music and Director of Instrumental Programs
johann vanniekerk

Johann J. Van Niekerk

  • Associate Professor of Music and Director of Choral Ensembles and Voice
  • Chair of Music Program
Students playing violin in a performance by the Centre Symphony Orchestra.
Music Events

Centre Symphony Orchestra

The Centre Symphony Orchestra performs large symphonic repertoire and regularly features guest artists from our region and across the globe. This event is open to the public.

Newlin Hall, Norton Center for the Arts

Students sing as part of a concert by Centre Choirs.
Music Events

Centre Choirs in Concert

This performance showcases four choral ensembles: Treble Singers, Tenor-Bass Singers and Centre Singers, and the Centre College Choir, all of which are open to the entire student body. These choirs...

Newlin Hall, Norton Center for the Arts

Students and the ensemble director play drums as part of a performance by the African Drum Ensemble.
Music Events

Centre Fusion and African Drums

Centre Fusion performs a mixture of arranged and improvised material with strong jazz and rhythmic foundations, primarily in contemporary styles of American and world music. The African Drums ensemble...

Combs Warehouse, 853 West Walnut Street, Danville, KY

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